Lockheed Martin Hands Over First of New 'Hurricane Hunters'
MARIETTA, Ga.---Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems today handed over the first of 10 WC-130J weather reconnaissance aircraft - commonly referred to as Hurricane Hunters. The WC-130Js will be assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS), a component of the 403rd Wing located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., and a one-of-a-kind organization. It is the only unit in the world that routinely flies directly into a hurricane's eye to carry out vital data gathering missions. The Weatherbird program, as it is known, requires LMAS to test, develop, and integrate the specialized avionics, weather sensors, and structural modifications required for the weather reconnaissance mission into the new C-130J airframe, also built by Lockheed Martin. The program includes 10 aircraft as well as support for them. While satellites can monitor storm and hurricane movements, forecasting efforts rely on information gathered by WC-130 aircrews from inside the storm. An aircraft from the squadron enters the storm at approximately 10,000 feet, then is flown straight through the eye a number of times, collecting data the entire time and transmitting it back to forecasting centers for evaluation. By analyzing the data, forecasters can better predict the path of a storm or hurricane, and thus make better predictions of potential impact on population centers. The WC-130J aircraft will replace the 53rd WRS's current fleet of 1960s- vintage WC-130H aircraft. The new model WC-130J aircraft will lower operating costs of the squadron, while enhancing performance of the aircraft. The baseline aircraft - the C-130J - is the most advanced version of the workhorse aircraft called Hercules. In service with 65 nations around the world in more than 50 configurations, the C-130 has proven itself to be the most versatile aircraft ever built. The C-130J gives this proven airframe a more powerful, yet more efficient propulsion system, state-of-the-art avionics, and advanced structures. The J model improvements greatly increase the safety, reliability, and maintainability of the aircraft as well. The C-130J is FAA certified, and deliveries of the new aircraft began in August 1998. The company has contracts for 90 C-130J and C-130J-30 models, including the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Italian Air Force. More information on the 53rd WRS and its mission can be found at its web site at www.hurricanehunters.com .
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Lockheed Martin Hands Over First of New 'Hurricane Hunters'
